Multi-access solid state memory devices and a telephone utilizing such

ABSTRACT

A mobile telephone device, comprising, an enclosure; a plurality of hardware components that provide the functionality of a cellular telephone or a satellite telephone, at least some of said components being inside or on said enclosure; a solid state non-volatile storage system inside of said enclosure; and a directly accessible connection for said storage system, adapted to connect to an external host system.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to the field of non-volatile solidstate memory devices, for example flash memory devices.

BACKGROUND

Mobile non-volatile solid state storage is available as a Disk-on-Key™system marketed by M-systems Inc. In this system, a small key fob with aUSB connector includes a flash memory module and a controller whichcommunicates over the USB connector with a host computer. The controlleremulates a disk drive to the host system.

Many electronic devices use flash memory modules for non-volatilestorage of data or code.

While many electronic devices store data (e.g., cellular telephones,organizers, palm computers), interfacing with a host computer typicallyrequires special protocols and user interfaces.

There exist digital cameras that can be connected to a USB port on ahost computer and images stored in their memory can be viewed on thehost computer.

Some devices, while mobile, cannot be used at all times. For example,airlines prohibit the use of cellular telephones on airplanes, whichblocks access to information stored on a cellular telephone, while theairline is in flight.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A broad aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to packaginga flash memory storage system having its own directly accessibleexternal interface, within the housing of a cellular telephone, so thatan external device can directly access the storage system, as a storagesystem, using that connection. In an exemplary embodiment of theinvention, the external interface allows a separate access directly tosaid storage system, as a storage system and not via a CPU of saidtelephone or another intermediary device. In an exemplary embodiment ofthe invention, the storage system is functionally integrated with thetelephone. Alternatively or additionally, the storage system shares oneor more hardware components with the telephone. It should be noted thateven merely sharing a housing or other enclosure between a cellulartelephone and a storage system may provide substantial benefits, forexample, reducing weight, reducing clutter, preventing the storagesystem from being misplaced and/or reducing cost.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the telephone providesadded functionality to the storage system. For example, the telephonedisplay and input may be used for managing the storage system.Alternatively or additionally, the telephone has access to and uses thestorage system, for example, storing data on the storage system (whichis also accessible from outside the device) or transmitting orprocessing data stored on the storage system. Alternatively oradditionally, the functionality of the telephone and storage system isat least partly integrated, for example, preventing the telephone fromoperating when the system is in use and/or preventing access of thetelephone to the storage system when the storage system is otherwiseoccupied (e.g., connected to an external host). Alternatively oradditionally, the storage system is used to support non-storageactivities of the telephone, for example using its connector fortelephone-related activities, for example printing.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the directly accessibleinterface is a cable connection, such as using a USB connector.Alternatively or additionally, the interface is a sort range wirelessconnection, such as using IR or using a BlueTooth or other RFconnection, such as IEEE 802.11.

Optionally, the software interface between a host computer and thetelephone is stored on the telephone, possibly excepting aboot-strapping portion (e.g., a USB mass storage class driver and a USBstack) stored on the host computer.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a random access blockdevice interface (e.g., of a hard-disk) is used for attaching thetelephone to a host computer. In an exemplary embodiment of theinvention, this interface is used for accessing storage on the storagesystem alternatively or additionally to being used for interaction withthe telephone. In one example, mail is transmitted using the cellulartelephone by copying it from a host computer into a special file on thestorage system. In some embodiments of the invention, the telephoneaccesses the storage system using a different protocol from the hostcomputer.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the storage system isfunctionally presented to the host as a stand-alone storage system, suchas a Disk-On-Key™ system.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, separate controllers areprovided for the storage system and the telephone. This might be useful,for example, to allow separate powering of the storage system when thetelephone is powered off. Alternatively or additionally, the telephonecontroller provides at least some functionality for the storage system,for example controlling access and/or providing additionalfunctionality, such as encryption.

An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to a partitionedflash memory storage system that is integrated with a telephone. In anexemplary embodiment of the invention, the partitioning, in softwareand/or hardware prevents deletion, writing and/or reading in at leastpart of the memory, from outside of the telephone. Alternatively oradditionally, this partition is invisible from outside the telephone.For example, an operating system of the telephone may be stored in ashared memory system and be partitioned so that direct access to thestorage system, not through the telephone, cannot be used to modify theoperating system by a user. Optionally, the operating system (or otherimportant code and/or data) is also protected from erasure, optionallyby a method other than partitioning or the access to it is enabled onlyby password.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the flash memory ispartitioned into several parts, two or more of: a partition private tothe storage system, from external access, a partition private to thetelephone, and a partition with hidden data, for example code foroperating the flash memory system and/or the telephone.

An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to dual modeflash memory controller on a single integrated circuit which can becontrolled and/or powered in two or more different ways. In an exemplaryembodiment of the invention, the memory controller includes a circuitryfor receiving power from a USB connection and from a power line.Alternatively or additionally, the flash memory controller includescircuitry for receiving commands and data over a USB connection andcircuitry for receiving commands and data over a second bus, forexample, a second USB connection, an SRAM interface and/or a parallelinterface.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a single integrated circuitpackage is provided which includes both a complete hard disk emulation,optionally bootable and an interface for USB connection, for examplewith a flash memory array included on a same integrated circuit as thecontroller.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the flash memory controllerselects which interface to receive commands from, based on whichinterface is connected. Alternatively or additionally, the interface isselected based on software commands. Optionally, both interfaces can beactive at a same time, with the controller providing sector locking oranother mechanism to prevent clashes between the commands.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a hard disk emulationpackage is provided with an internal USB connection for connecting to aparent computer. An external USB connection is optionally provided forconnection to a host computer (e.g., with a standard USB connection). Inan exemplary embodiment of the invention, only one set of USB interfacecircuitry is provided, with a switching circuit being provided and usedto decide which lines are used for the connection. Optionally, an SRAMinterface is provided to support booting from the hard-disk emulationpackage, with a USB connection being used for normal data transfer afterbooting.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a two port flash memorysystem is used for embedded devices, such as set-top boxes ortelephones, to allow programming and/or reprogramming of the device byupdating of the flash memory after manufacture.

An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to using atelephone as a single or main source of personal data and files and toapparatus and/or methods which support such use. In an exemplaryembodiment of the invention, a storage system is programmed to includevarious personal setting files used by a host computer for variousapplications, such as calendar and contacts applications. In anexemplary embodiment of the invention, the telephone is similarlyprogrammed to use the self-same files for a same use. Thus,synchronization is not required. In an exemplary embodiment of theinvention, this functionality is enabled by providing a periodic andoptionally transparent synchronization between the telephone and one ormore files on the storage system. Alternatively or additionally, thisfunctionality is enabled by providing one or two protocol interfaces inassociation with the storage system, which protocol interfaces convertbetween the file formats used by the telephone and/or one or more hostcomputers and a standard which is used by the storage system.

There is thus provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of theinvention, a mobile telephone device, comprising:

an enclosure;

a plurality of hardware components that provide the functionality of acellular telephone or a satellite telephone, at least some of saidcomponents being inside or on said enclosure;

a solid state non-volatile storage system inside of said enclosure; and

a directly accessible connection for said storage system, adapted toconnect to an external host system. Optionally, said connection is aphysical connected to said storage system. Alternatively oradditionally, said storage system is separately accessible from saidtelephone via said connector.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said connection comprises aUSB connector. Alternatively, said connection comprises awireless-interface.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said non-volatile memorycomprises flash memory.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said storage system sharesat least one hardware component with said telephone. Optionally, saidstorage system shares at least one a flash memory module for storingdata with said telephone. Alternatively or additionally, said at leastone component comprises a flash memory controller. Alternatively oradditionally, said at least one component comprises a controller.Alternatively or additionally, said at least one component comprises auser interface element. Alternatively or additionally, said at least onecomponent comprises a power source. Alternatively or additionally, saidflash memory storage system shares a connector with said telephone.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said storage system isfunctionally integrated with said telephone. Optionally, at least oneuser interface component of said telephone is used to manage saidstorage system. Alternatively or additionally, operation of one of thetelephone and storage system affects an operation of the other.Optionally, attachment of said storage system to a host, limits accessof said telephone to said storage system. Alternatively or additionally,attachment of said storage system to a host, powers off said telephone.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, at least one file in saidstorage system is configured to act as a mail file for transmission ofmail on said telephone. Alternatively, at least one file in said storagesystem is configured to act as a personal setting file for operation ofsaid telephone.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said connection is adaptedto present said storage system as a hard disk system to said host.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said connection is adaptedto present said storage system as a stand alone storage system to saidhost.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said connection is adaptedto present said storage system as a transfer system to said host.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said connection comprises aconnector mounted on a retractable setting. Optionally, said settingcomprises a cable with a connector at one end.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said storage systemcomprises a removable flash memory module.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said storage systemcomprises only permanently attached flash memory modules.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said storage system isadapted to be powered by said connection and separately from saidtelephone.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, only some of a storagespace of said storage system is accessible by said telephone.Alternatively or additionally, only some of a storage space of saidstorage system is accessible by said host.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said storage system isselectively powered by said telephone and via said connector.Alternatively or additionally, said storage system is adapted to beselectively controlled by said host and by said telephone. Optionally,said storage system is controlled by a single flash memory controller.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said storage system iscontrollable by at least two flash memory controllers.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said telephone comprises aflash memory module inaccessible by said storage system.

There is also provide din accordance with an exemplary embodiment of theinvention, a method of accessing files stored on a telephone,comprising:

attaching the telephone to a host computer using a connection of saidtelephone; and

automatically recognizing said telephone as a hard-disk-like device bysaid host computer. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, themethod comprises accessing one or more files on said hard disk device bysaid host. Optionally, said connection comprises a USB connector.Alternatively, said connection comprises a local wireless connection.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, accessing comprisesmanually initiating the copying of files. Alternatively or additionally,accessing comprises automatically initiating the copying of files.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said one or more accessedfiles is a personal settings file used for personalization of anapplication on said host. Optionally, said personal settings file isused for personalization of an application on said telephone.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the method comprisesautomatically changing access privileges to at least part of a storagearea on said telephone responsive to said attachment.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, accessing comprises markingfor processing. Optionally, said processing comprises deletion.Alternatively or additionally, said processing comprises transmission.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the method comprises:

transferring one or more instructions or files to said telephone fromsaid host. Optionally, the method comprises transferring one or morefiles from said host to said telephone. Alternatively or additionally,the method comprises transferring one or more instructions from saidhost to said telephone. Optionally, the method comprises:

automatically carrying out said one or more instructions after adisconnection of said telephone from said host.

There is also provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of theinvention, a method of sending e-mail from a computer, comprising:

attaching a telephone to a computer;

saving at least one e-mail message from said host on said telephone;

activating said telephone; and

automatically sending said e-mail message after said activating.Optionally, said saving is transparent to a user of said computer, ascompared to a regular e-mail transmission process.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said activating comprisesdetaching said telephone. Optionally, sending is carried out at a delayafter said detaching.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said activating comprisesturning on an RF sub-system of said telephone.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said activating comprisesentering a coverage area of a base station for said telephone.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said telephone includes ahard-disk emulator on which a mailbox file accessed by an e-mailapplication of said host, is stored.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said telephone emulates ane-mail server to said host.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, an RF circuit of saidtelephone is powered off during said saving.

There is also provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of theinvention, a method of consolidating message journaling, comprising:

receiving a first message on a telephone;

storing the first message on the telephone;

receiving a second message on a host; and

storing the second message from the host on said telephone indexed withsaid first message. Optionally, said host receives the message using apersonal setting file stored on said telephone.

There is also provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of theinvention, a dual access non-volatile memory circuit, comprising:

at least one non-volatile memory module;

at least one interface circuit attached to a first bus, for said memorymodule;

at least one power line; and

at least one additional interface circuit attached to a second bus orpower line. Optionally, said circuit comprises at least two power lines.Optionally, said circuit comprises at least two interface circuits.Optionally, the interface circuits are of different types.Alternatively, the interface circuits are of a same type. Optionally,the interface circuits comprise a switch and a shared circuit for twosets of interface connection lines.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said circuit comprises aswitch for automatically switching between power lines.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a different power line isused depending on which interface is active. Alternatively oradditionally, both interfaces are active at a same time. Alternatively,both interfaces cannot be active at a same time.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said circuit comprises atleast three interfaces.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said interfaces comprise aUSB interface and a bootable interface.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said interfaces comprise atleast two USB interfaces.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said non-volatile memory ispartitioned between said two interfaces, so that at least some of saidmemory is not accessible by both interfaces.

There is also provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of theinvention, a flash memory storage system, comprising:

an enclosure;

a flash storage module provided in said enclosure; and

a connector retractable into said enclosure. Optionally, said cable ismounted on a retractable cable. Alternatively or additionally, saidenclosure encloses a telephone.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Non-limiting embodiments of the invention will be described withreference to the following description of exemplary embodiments, inconjunction with the figures. The figures are generally not shown toscale and any measurements are only meant to be exemplary and notnecessarily limiting. In the figures, identical structures, elements orparts which appear in more than one figure are preferably labeled with asame or similar number in all the figures in which they appear, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a connection configuration of aflash memory system integrated into a telephone, in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2A is a functional block diagram of a flash memory systemintegrated into a telephone, and a host system, in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2B is a flowchart of a process of recognition of a flash memorysystem when attached to a host computer, in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method of sending mail using atelephone-integrated flash memory system, in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method of managing a flash storage systemusing an integrated telephone interface, in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method of using a telephone with anintegrated flash memory system to consolidate personal information, inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a cellular telephone including apull-out USB cable and connector, in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 7A-7E are schematic diagrams showing alternative embodiments ofpartitioning of flash memory in an integrated telephone/flash memorysystem;

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention in whicha CPU is shared or is not shared between a telephone and a flash storagesystem;

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the invention in which aflash storage system can be selectably powered from a USB connection ora dedicated power line;

FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram of an integrated circuit thatembodies a flash memory system with two USB connections, in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Overview

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a connection configuration 100 ofa flash memory system 110 integrated into a cellular telephone 108, inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. One particularfeature of cellular telephones which is useful for some embodiments ofthe invention is that a cellular telephone is a highly mobile andtypically hand-held communication device capable of transmitting voiceand data.

As shown, a flash memory system 110 is incorporated in a housing ofcellular telephone 108. A USB connection 106 is used to connect flashmemory system 110 to a host computer 102, via a USB port 104 thereof.Alternatively, other connection methods are used. Optionally, theconnection uses a mass-storage device protocol, which can, for example,allow flash memory system 110 to appear as a hard disk to host computer102. Other protocols can be used as well, for example as describedbelow. Optionally, a protocol that is standard with a standard operatingsystem is used.

While various types of integration of flash memory system 110 intotelephone 108 are envisioned, in exemplary embodiments of the invention,flash memory system 110 is at least partially accessible by a CPU 112 oftelephone 108. Optionally, this access allows coupling between flashmemory system 110 and various sub-systems of telephone 108, for example,one or more of a display 114, an audio input and/or output 116, a keypad118, an RF subsystem and/or other subsystems of telephone 108.

Other hardware components may be shared between flash memory system 110and telephone 108, for example, a battery, a CPU and/or a clock. In anycase it should be noted that in some applications even sharing only thehousing allows a significant reduction in total volume and weight andreduction of a number of items which might get misplaced (e.g., thesmaller they are, the more likely to be misplaced).

Connection

FIG. 2A is a functional block diagram 200 of flash memory system 110integrated into telephone 108 and host system 102, in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the invention. Other variations are describedbelow. Host system 102 is, for example, a computer, which, recognizesflash memory system 110 as a hard disk, for which a driver is includedin the operating system. This is not essential, however, and otherinterfaces, possibly requiring a non-standard driver, may be provided.In one example, an IR (infra-red) driver is installed on host 102 thatrecognizes the telephone and treats storage system 110 as a hard disk.

Alternatively or additionally, once flash memory system 110 isrecognized, host system 102 may execute (e.g., manually orautomatically) a program stored on the flash memory system to change theconnection protocol.

Host 102 executes an application 202 which accesses flash memory system110 via a file system 204 of host 102. In an example of a USBconnection, an operating system 206 converts file system functions intoUSB commands (e.g., according to a USB mass-storage specification),which are transmitted over a USB connection (physical and logical) 208to a slave USB connection 210 in telephone 108. Other access methods maybe used as well, as known in the art of USB device access by a host.

In telephone 108, the USB commands are transmitted to a flash controller212 which controls one or more flash memory modules 214 according to thecommands. The modules may contain various amounts of memory, forexample, 8 MB, 16 MB, 32 MB, 128 MB, 512 MB, 1024 MB or more. Variousimplementation may be used, for example the one used in the abovementioned Disk-On-Key™ flash memory product. Optionally, a dedicatedtelephone interface 218 is provided for one or more telephonesub-systems 220 to interface with flash memory module(s) 214, viacontroller 212 and/or via a separate, optional, controller 216. Varioussuch configurations are described below.

FIG. 2B is a flowchart 230 of a process of recognition of a flash memorysystem when attached to a host computer, in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the invention. At 232, telephone 108 is plugged into a USBport of host 102. Alternatively to using a USB connection, otherconnection methods, such as BlueTooth, Firewire and a RS232 connectionmay be used. Optionally, a self-configuring connection method, such asprovided by the USB protocol, is desired, to simplify the interface forusers.

At 234, USB negotiation and enumeration proceeds automatically, as wellknown in the USB specification. Optionally, some user control isprovided, for example, telephone 108 may include the option ofactivating or deactivating the USB interface via the telephoneinterface.

At 236, host 102 installs flash memory system 110, for example as a USBmass storage device (e.g., as a removable hard-disk). As this depends onthe way in which flash memory system 110 identifies itself, it ispossible to vary the device the memory is identified as. For example,flash memory system 110 can present itself to the host computer as twoor more mass-storage devices or as a mass-storage device and a modem(e.g., for accessing some of the telephone functionality). Optionally,the telephone interface is used to select how flash storage system 110will present itself. Optionally, a standard driver for a combinedtelephone/flash storage system is provided with at least some operatingsystems, or is installed by a user, for example, by first connection thetelephone as a mass-storage device and then installing a suitable driverfrom flash memory system 110. Optionally, host 102 executes a specialdriver or interface program that recognizes when a telephone/flashstorage system is connected and acts accordingly. Alternatively,telephone 108 is presented as a network computer, for example using aUSB network, with the flash storage system optionally being an exportednetwork drive. In some embodiments as described below, non-standardfunctionalities are provided by treating certain files on flash memorysystem 110 as having a special meaning, for example for transmittingmail.

At 238, the operational mode of telephone 108 is optionally changed(e.g., when the telephone is connected to the computer), for example,causing the telephone to act as a modem for the computer or to preventaccess from the telephone to the flash memory system, or at least a partthereof.

At 240, power is optionally provided via the USB connector. This powermay be used, for example, for flash controller 212, for flash memorymodules 216 and/or optionally for one or more of telephone sub-systems220 (e.g., if the telephone is off), but typically not the RFsubsystems.

Optionally, once the connection is established, telephone 108 providesfeedback on the connection, for example, via its display or as anauditory (speech or otherwise) message.

At 242, flash memory system 110 is optionally accessed for readingand/or writing, from host 102, as a hard disk. In some embodiments, aread-only access may be useful. Alternatively or additionally, the USBconnection may be used to access telephone 108 from host 102 (or viceversa) (244). In one example, a telephone configuration or softwareupdate program is executed on host 102. Once the files are ready, theyare exported in read form to the telephone via the flash storage system,for example into a particular location thereon. Optionally, telephone108 exposes its internal settings by posing as a set of hypertext filesor a WWW server. In another example, telephone 108 is treated as a modemfor host 102. In another example, telephone 108 uses host 102 forvarious functions such as backup, printing or using a host's Internetconnection which is generally cheaper, rather than its own. Optionally,when telephone 108 recognizes that it is connected to host 102, itexecutes various scripts and/or programs, for example for periodicbackup. Optionally telephone 108 recognizes which computer it isconnected to, for example using an application or driver that isactivated automatically by the host when it recognizes that a USB deviceis attached.

At 246, telephone 108 is disconnected. Optionally, proper disconnectionrequires a user to indicate impending disconnection to host 102 and/ortelephone 108 (e.g., via the telephone or host interface).

Exemplary Usage

FIG. 3 is a flowchart 300 of a method of sending mail using atelephone-integrated flash memory system 110, in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the invention.

At 302, telephone 108 is attached to a host 102. In an exemplaryembodiment of the invention, this process is carried out on an airplaneand telephone 108 (e.g., at least its RF subsystems) is off (or isautomatically turned off by the attachment), as currently required bymany airlines.

At 304, an e-mail is written on the computer. Possibly this is performedbefore 302.

At 306 the e-mail is sent to the telephone. Various methods may be used.In one examples the e-mail folders (or at least the outgoing e-mailfolder) are stored on telephone 108 (e.g., in storage system 110), sothe act of saving the e-mail and indicating it for transmission performsthis sending. In another example, the e-mail is copied to a special fileor folder on flash file system 110. In another example, telephone 108emulates an e-mail server, for example by execution of a suitable driverprogram after attachment of telephone 108 to host 102.

It should be noted that in some embodiments of the invention the user isnot required to perform any additional steps beyond what is normallydone when transmitting e-mail. Optionally a message that the e-mail willbe sent by telephone is provided. Alternatively, the user selects tosend the message by telephone.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, software for host 102 isuploaded from telephone 108, to assist in performing one or more of theabove functions (e.g., redirection of e-mail by installing suitablemodules into an e-mail program). Optionally, this softwareself-terminates when the telephone is disconnected.

At 308, telephone 108 is optionally disconnected from host 102. This mayturn on telephone 108 if it was earlier automatically turned off by theconnection, for example if suitable hardware and/or software is providedin telephone 108. Alternatively, a user manually turns on the telephone,for example after he lands or reaches a locale where cellularcommunication is less expensive (e.g., as compared to user definedsettings).

At 310, telephone 108 connects to an e-mail server, for example usingits wireless connection or when the telephone is connected to a suitablynetworked computer.

At 312, telephone 108 transmits the e-mail, for example by e-mail serveror using a dedicated cellular function (e.g., SMS messaging). In anexemplary embodiment of the invention, an internal e-mail program intelephone 108, accesses the mailbox stored on flash memory system 110and sends the e-mail. Optionally, telephone 108 also downloads e-mailsat this time, for later transfer to a host 102 and/or for storage in alocal mailbox file.

Alternatively or additionally to providing just e-mails (e.g., possiblywith attachments from host 102), a user may specify files to attach fromflash memory system 110. Alternatively or additionally, a user mayaccess a mail file of telephone 108 to set up later transmissions offiles by telephone 108.

Alternatively or additionally to e-mail, other instructions may beprovided via host 102 for later execution by telephone 108, for example,instructions to send text or picture SMS messages or instructions toshow (e.g., sound or visual) the files at a predetermined time orsequence.

In some telephones, instructions to be performed when the telephone isconnected to a network or computer, may be entered into the telephonewhen it is not transmitting, without an intermediate of a host computer.In some embodiments of the invention, when the RF subsystems of thetelephone are powered off the telephone interface operates for storagesystem 110.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, e-mail is sent directly toanother telephone 108. In one example, telephone 108 is adapted to actas an e-mail client which downloads e-mail for later optional retrievalby a host computer. Optionally, this functionality is used fortransmitting files directly between telephones 108 having storagesystems. Optionally a special e-mail address is provided for suchtelephones by the cellular network so that they can be recognized byother such telephones. Alternatively or additionally, two telephones maynegotiate, for example using SMS messages, to determine the sending,receiving, storage and/or processing capabilities of the telephones. Forexample, a first telephone will not send a large image to a secondtelephone with insufficient memory to store the image. Instead, only anotice will be sent for later download of the whole image when thetelephone is connected to a host computer with sufficient memory.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the following methodologyis used. A user manipulates his telephone to select a file to send toanother telephone. When prompted the user may enter an e-mail address ora telephone number. Actual transmission may be carried out, for exampleusing the cellular telephone network functions of data transmission,using an Internet gateway and/or using standard e-mail.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, when a file is transferredusing this method, the file is directly installed in a suitable locationin the storage system of the target system. Optionally, this location isnot an operative location of the telephone (e.g., music directory).Rather, it is a file system location which a user can then access forupload to a host system. For example, the file may be transferred to alocation that mirrors its origin. Alternatively, the file may betransferred to a location associated with its function, for example amedia directory for a media file.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart 400 of a method of managing flash storage system110 using an interface of telephone 108, in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the invention. The acts shown can be performed in variousorders and, being an exemplary flowchart, not all acts are needed in allembodiments.

At 402; while telephone 108 is optionally not connected to host 102, auser can optionally use the display and keypad (and/or voice and/orother user interface) of telephone 108 to mark files for transfer to ahost computer, for example host 102 or a different host that isphysically connected (e.g., also using a short range wirelessconnection, such as BlueTooth) or a host computer to which a wirelessconnection will be made using the cellular telephone functionality. Forexample, such files can include downloaded e-mails, files previouslytransferred from a computer, journaled files (e.g., acquired images on atelephone with a camera or scanner). Alternatively or additionally, auser can indicate parts of flash storage system 110 (and/or telephonememory 108) to be backed up. Such indication can be also preset, forexample indicating a periodic backup for certain files. Alternatively oradditionally to backing-up, synchronization may be selected, in whichthe files on the host and/or on the telephone are synchronized toinclude updated information form each other, for example calendarinformation. At this point, in some embodiments of the invention, thetelephone has not sent any messages or performed any act. However, theacts to be performed when it is connected to a network or host areprogrammed.

At 404, telephone 108 is attached to host 102, for example using a USBconnection.

At 406 transmission to host 102 is performed, for example manual- orautomatic-triggered. In an embodiment of the invention, transfer isinitiated by executing a program stored on flash memory system 110.Alternatively or additionally, files to be transferred are stored in aspecial location on flash memory system 110. In an exemplary embodimentof the invention, transfer is initiated using the interface of host 102.Alternatively or additionally, the transfer is initiated using theinterface of telephone 108. Alternatively or additionally, the transferis initiated by a driver on host 102 that is loaded when telephone 108is attached to host 102. Optionally, a briefcase-like mechanism asprovided in some Microsoft Windows operating systems, is used for filesynchronization.

Optionally, telephone 108 is used (408) to control and/or monitor thetransfer of files and/or from flash memory system 110. In one example, adisplay of telephone 108 (visual or audio) generates indications when afile is copied to or from flash memory system 110. Alternatively oradditionally, an indication is generated when a file is modified.Alternatively or additionally, an indication is generated when the flashmemory system is filling up or is full. Optionally, one or more metersare displayed continuously on telephone 108, for example, amount of freespace or number of files.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, when one or more files,partitions or the whole flash memory system is encrypted, the telephoneinterface may be used for entering a decryption password, for example bytyping a code or as biometrics information, such that host 102 cannotaccess the password in any way. Optionally, this authorization request(e.g., even a simple “OK”) is applied the first time a file is accessedfrom a host computer or when the host tried to delete a file, even if noencryption is provided, for example to all files or only to particular“protected” files.

Alternatively or additionally to regular file transfer, telephone 108optionally uses the USB connection to instruct host 102, for exampleinstructions to provide a software update, one or more files to beprinted by host 102, calendar information to be modified and/or anInternet connection to be made. In an exemplary embodiment of theinvention, flash storage system 110 serves as a buffer which can berelatively simply accessed by host 102, for example with part of theflash storage area serving as a print queue and part of the storage areaserving as configuration file directories.

At 410, telephone 108 is again disconnected from host 102.

At 412, the interface of telephone 108 is optionally used to displayfiles stored on flash storage system 110.

At 414, the interface is optionally used to delete files or otherwiseprocess files stored on flash storage system 110. Exemplary processingincludes marking files for backup, compressing media files and/or playor otherwise view the files.

At 416, the interface is optionally used to modify various processinginstructions provided from host 102 to telephone 108. For example,sending instructions (e.g., FIG. 3) may be modified.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart 500 of a method of using telephone 108 toconsolidate personal information, in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the invention. It is noted that a significant amount ofpersonal information is generated by—or transfers through—telephone 108.Computer- and/or user-generated files may be stored permanently on flashstorage system 110. Optionally, telephone 108 is configured to integratemultiple information sources in a single framework. While FIG. 5describes one possible implementation, not all the features shown arerequired in some embodiments of the invention. In this implementation,all acts are carried out on the telephone, unless a host partakes in theact, in which case some of the processing may be carried out on thehost.

At 502, an SMS message is sent or received. Boxes 502 and 506-514illustrate exemplary data generating acts, one or more of which may besupported by telephone 108.

At 504, the message is stored in a mailbox or other journaling system,for example as provided by the Microsoft Outlook version 6 personalinformation manager software. In an exemplary embodiment of theinvention, the storage includes indexing information, for example nameof contact or the contents (if it is text rather than an image). Thisindexing information may be, for example, shared among the variousmessaging and data modalities described herein.

At 506, an image is acquired, for example using a camera built intotelephone 108 or being received by some means. It may similarly bejournaled. Such stored images may be displayed using telephone 108 at auser's convenience, for example as known in the art, albeit from storagesystem 110.

At 508, a conversation is recorded. Missed or unanswered calls can bejournaled even if there is no audio to record.

At 510, telephone 108 includes a scanner, which is used to acquire animage of an object, which is then journaled.

At 512, e-mail that is sent or received by the telephone is journaled.

At 514, a fax that is sent or received by the telephone is journaled.

At 516, the journal is optionally synchronized with that of a hostcomputer for example one used to send or receive e-mail, assuming thatthe mail folders of the host computer are not stored permanently ontelephone 108.

At 518, host 102 is optionally used to backup or store part of thejournal, for example periodically or in case it gets too large for flashstorage system 110.

At 520, the journal is processed and/or stored, for example on host 102and/or on telephone 108. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention,the journal is used as part of a regular usage of telephone 108 and/or acontact manager function thereof.

At 522, various personal setting files that are stored on flash memorysystem 110 are synchronized with setting files stored on host 102. In anexemplary embodiment of the invention, however, the setting files arestored only on telephone 108, so no synchronization is required.

At 524, the setting files are processed, for example being used in thenormal course of the use of telephone 108, for example for contactmanagement.

At 526, telephone 108 is connected to a first host and the user can thenuse this host, using his/her personal settings, with his data files(e.g., stored on flash storage system 110) and/or using the journal.Optionally, flash storage system 110 includes a converter that converts(e.g., as a file or as transactions) the form a of the setting and/orjournal files to one that is recognized by the host. Alternatively oradditionally, the flash storage system includes a script that loadand/or later unloads the settings from the host computer, for examplefor such hosts that cannot directly access flash storage system 110 forthe setting files. Similarly, telephone 108 may include a converter toconvert from the format stored on flash storage system 110 to that whichis recognized by the applications of telephone 108.

At 528, this process is repeated when the user migrates to a differenthost computer.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, data files used by the user(e.g., text documents) are also stored or managed (e.g., using adocument management software) on telephone 108.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, telephone 108 is of a typethat also includes an additional functionality, for example that of apersonal information manager or hand held computer. Optionally, thatadditional functionality also has access to some or all of storagesystem 110 (e.g., as described below in FIG. 7 and independent oftelephone 108) and/or may share the setting files and/or other filesstored on the storage system with the telephone functionality and/or anexternal host.

However, in other embodiments of the invention, the non-telephonefunctionality is limited (e.g., to playing media files, or tocommunication, such as limited merely to sending and receiving text ormedia messages) or non-existent, while the abilities of storage system110 and, optionally, its interaction with telephone 108 as describedherein, remain.

Physical Connection

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a cellular telephone 600 including apull-out USB cable 602 and connector 604, in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the invention. Optionally, a spring loaded cableretractor 606 is provided to retract cable 602. A small flexible tab(not shown) may be used to pull out connector 604. Other means forpulling out (and/or retracting) retractable cable, as known in the art,may be used instead. Alternatively to retracting cable 602, onlyconnector 604 can be popped in or out. In an alternative embodiment ofthe invention, a multi-use connector, for example, a female connector ora USB on-the-go connector is provided.

This type of retractable cable/connector may also be provided for otherflash memory systems for example dedicated flash storage systems such asthe Disk-On-Key™.

One potential advantage of providing a cable is that the display of thetelephone can be accessible at a front of a computer, for thosecomputers where the USB connection is at a back part of the computer.Another potential advantage is that the USB connector is not thenrequired to physically support the weight of the telephone, only theweight of part of the cable. Alternatively to providing a cable, only apop-out USB connector is provided. When not in use, this connectoroptionally does not mar the profile of the telephone. Alternatively oradditionally, a cover for the connector is provided.

It should be noted that in some embodiments of the invention, a localwireless connection is used instead of or in addition to a USBconnection, for example an IR or an RF connection.

Partitioning

FIGS. 7A-7E are schematic diagrams showing alternative embodiments ofpartitioning of flash memory in an integrated telephone/flash memorysystem. FIG. 7A shows a simplest partitioning case, where all of theflash storage is accessible by both the telephone and the host. In thiscase, if simultaneous access is allowed, file semaphoring may beprovided by flash storage system 110, to prevent clashes. A single flashcontroller may be shared by the telephone and the flash storage system.Optionally, some of the storage space is write (or read) protected orencrypted by software and/or hardware so one or the other of the hostand telephone cannot access it (or can only read it). In an exemplaryembodiment of the invention, when access to such protected spaces isrequested, a user may authorize it by input on the telephone itself.

FIG. 7B shows an embodiment where the host can only access some of theflash storage space while all storage space is accessible by thetelephone. This is useful, for example, to protect part of the storagearea, for example an operating system of the telephone, from accidentalor malicious erasure or modification by the host. Possibly, the addressspace is hidden from the host but the existence can be determined. Asingle controller may be shared or separate controllers may be provided.It should be noted that in some embodiments of the invention, thepartitioning is not fixed and can be changed on the fly, for example viathe host or via the telephone, whichever is applicable. Possibly anadministrator password will be needed and may be typed into thetelephone and/or into a host computer, depending on the application.

FIG. 7C shows a case where the telephone can only access some of theflash storage area. This may be useful, for example, if the telephoneuses a special storage format which is not native on the host. Writingto the telephone area may then be supported by software stored on thehost accessible area. This may also prevent accidental or malicioustransmission of secret data by the telephone.

FIG. 7D shows an example where each of the host and telephone haveexclusive and shared storage area. It should be noted that the exclusionand sharing for reading may be different than for writing.

FIG. 7E shows an example where there is no shared storage area. This isuseful, for example, if no functional integration is provided betweenthe telephone and the host with respect to the memory. However, in someimplementations, when the telephone accesses the host via the USBconnector, the host may then access the host-accessible area at thetelephone's behest.

In the examples of FIGS. 7B-7E it may be useful to have a plurality offlash memory modules and/or controllers, for example to provide separatemodules or controllers to areas that are only accessible by one of thehost and telephone.

While this sharing has been described for a storage space it is notedthat in some embodiments of the invention, the storage space or theflash storage system are used to emulate various peripherals orfunctions, such as a modem or printer. The sharing configurations may beapplied to such services in some embodiments of the invention.

It is also noted that flash storage system 110 may be exposed to thehost or the telephone as a plurality of storage areas rather than as asingle memory or hard disk area.

Various partitioning, access rules protection rules and/or encryptionmay be provided for each such storage area.

It should be noted that in some cases not all hosts will desire toaccess flash storage system 110 in a same file format. Further, thetelephone may not support the same file system or format as host 102. Inan exemplary embodiment of the invention, one or more file systememulators are executed by flash storage system 110 to emulate a same setof data as multiple file systems, to different hosts and/or thetelephone. Possibly, file management data, such as FAT tables are stored(and updated) in multiple formats for these systems.

Circuit Design

The above integration of a flash storage system with a telephone can beachieved in many ways. Below are described some exemplary circuitdesigns which may be useful for such or other applications.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention in whicha CPU is shared or is not shared between a telephone and a flash storagesystem.

In FIG. 8, a telephone 900 includes a USB connector 902 (whichoptionally include USB interface circuitry). A single CPU 904 controlsone or more flash memory modules 906 and various telephone subsystems,such as RF 908 and keypad 910. Various functionalities such as USBnegotiation may be implemented in hardware in a separate circuitassociated with the USB connector, or implemented in software on CPU904. Optionally, a single integrated circuit is provided with both CPUfunctions and USB interface functions.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, CPU 904 (and possibly flashmemory modules 906) can be selectively powered by the USB connection orby an internal power source 907, optionally depending on whether a hostis connected to the USB connection. In an exemplary embodiment of theinvention, a power switch 905 is provided for selectively providingpower from one or the other source.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, all the circuit componentsare provided in a single integrated circuit, for example an ASIC(application specific integrated circuit).

In FIG. 9, a telephone 920 includes a dedicated flash memory controllerand/or CPU 924 (which optionally also provides a USB interface, so thata simple physical USB connector 922 may be used), and which is attachedto a telephone CPU 926, for example an ARM 9 CPU.

In some embodiments of the invention, the USB controller includes bothslave functionality (e.g., for connection to a host) and masterfunctionality (e.g. for connecting and/or powering peripherals. In somecases, two USB ports, one incoming and one outgoing are provided in thetelephone. Alternatively, a single multi-use connector is provided.Telephone 108 may automatically detect if it connected to a host deviceor to a slave device. Optionally, an interface conforming to a USBon-the-go standard is used.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the invention in which aflash storage system 930 can be selectably powered from a USB connectionor a dedicated power line.

In one operation mode, power and commands (or USB signals, depending onthe implementation) are provided from a USB interface 932 to acontroller 936, which then controls one or more flash memory module 938.Module 938 may be powered directly or via controller 936, depending onthe implementation.

In another operation mode, at least power (if not data) is provided fromanother source, and is switched by a power switch 934 which may be, forexample, internal or external to controller 936. Commands may beprovided by the same controller 936 or by a different optionalcontroller 940, in which case controller 936 may remain powered off andonly flash module 938 powered by the other power source.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, circuit 930 provides on theone hand hard-disk emulation via its USB connection and on the otherhand hard-disk emulation suitable for an embedded device, for example asprovided by the Disk-On-Chip product line sold by M-systems, LTD ofKfar-Saba, Israel. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, theembedded-emulation is bootable and uses, for example, an SRAM interface.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, when a system is bootedfrom circuit 930, the SRAM interface reads a BIOS-like section frommodule 938 and acts towards the system as a memory from which the systemmay be booted. As this reading may take some time, the SRAM interfacemay suspend the CPU of the system (e.g., using a bus busy signal). Then,a same system bus as used to access the SRAM may be used to read theoperating system (if any) from module 938. Optionally, the system busaccesses a logic circuit in the SRAM interface, which bypasses actuallyloading the data into the SRAM. Once the operating system is up and USBsupport is available, the operating system may then access module 938using the USB support rather than via the system bus and the logiccircuit. Alternatively, the USB support maybe available even before thewhole operating system is loaded, so no logic circuit is needed.

In this and other dual mode circuits, mode switching may be provided,for example based on the power source or on the active signal lines.Alternatively or additionally, dual commanding is possible.Alternatively or additionally, software mode switching, via specialcommands is provided.

Bootable Flash Storage

FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram of an integrated circuit 1100 thatembodies a flash memory system with one or two USB connections, inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In anexemplary embodiment of the invention, a CPU with an integral USBconnection is provided. However, it cannot generally boot from the USBconnection.

Circuit 1100 includes a flash memory module 1108 which can be controlledvia a USB controller 1104 (or other type of connection protocol). Inaddition, a second connection type, for example an SRAM interface 1110,is provided. Optionally, interface 1110 directly controls flash memorymodule 1108 or uses a controller portion of USB controller 1104,optionally bypassing the USB protocol handling portion of controller1104.

Optionally, a second USB connection is provided, for example forexternal control. A second USB controller 1106 may be provided.Alternatively or additionally, a switch 1102 is provided to switchcommands and/or signals to the suitable controller. Power is optionallyswitched for example, as described above.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the SRAM interface is usedfor booting and once booting is completed, data transfer is accomplishedusing a USB (or other) interface which can often be considerably fasterthan a bootable SRAM interface.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, circuit 1100 is packaged asa single integrated circuit suitable for embedding in devices, forexample, a cellular telephone as described above.

Exemplary Variations

The above has described a telephone with an embedded flash storagesystem. Optionally, the flash storage system is removable, for examplebeing a flash card of some type which is sealed in a receptacle on thetelephone. Optionally, the telephone does not need to be powered down toremove the card.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the telephone includes aUSB port (or other protocol) to which a USB-connecting flash memorysystem is attached. Optionally, the combined telephone and memory systemacts as described above. Alternatively or additionally, the act ofattaching the flash memory system to the telephone emulates the act ofturning on or passing control over to the telephone. Optionally, a dualport USB flash memory storage device is used, so it can be connected inparallel to the telephone and a host.

It will be appreciated that the above described methods and apparatus ofintegrated telephone storage systems may be varied in many ways,including, changing the order of steps and the types of components used.For example, a wide range of non-volatile solid state memories can beused, for example of RAM type and of FLASH type (e.g., NAND or NOR). Theterm “flash memory”, except where otherwise noted, is used in thespecification as a generic term for such memory modules. In addition, amultiplicity of various features, both of method and of devices havebeen described. In some embodiments mainly methods are described,however, also apparatus adapted for performing the methods areconsidered to be within the scope of the invention. It should beappreciated that different features may be combined in different ways.In particular, not all the features shown above in a particularembodiment are necessary in every similar embodiment of the invention.Further, combinations of the above features are also considered to bewithin the scope of some embodiments of the invention. Also, within thescope is software and computer readable-media including such softwarewhich is used for carrying out and/or guiding the steps describedherein, such as partitioning and providing e-mail functionality. Also,it should be noted that the various circuits described maybe, in someembodiments, provided as single integrated circuits and in others as aset of circuits and/or other discrete components. When used in thefollowing claims, the terms “comprises”, “includes”, “have” and theirconjugates mean “including but not limited to”.

It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the presentinvention is not limited by what has thus far been described. Rather,the scope of the present invention is limited only by the followingclaims.

1. A mobile telephone device, comprising: an enclosure; a plurality ofhardware components that provide the functionality of a cellulartelephone or a satellite telephone, at least some of said componentsbeing inside or on said enclosure, said components that are inside or onsaid enclosure including at least an audio input or an audio output; asolid state non-volatile storage system inside of said enclosure; and adirectly accessible connection for said storage system, adapted toconnect to an external host system, wherein said storage system isfunctionally integrated with said telephone, wherein operation of one ofthe telephone and storage system affects an operation of the other, andwherein attachment of said storage system to a host limits access ofsaid telephone to said storage system.
 2. A device according to claim 1,wherein said connection is a physical connection to said storage system.3. A device according to claim 1, wherein said storage system isseparately accessible from said telephone via said connection.
 4. Adevice according to claim 1, wherein said connection comprises a USBconnection.
 5. A device according to claim 1, wherein said connectioncomprises a wireless-interface.
 6. A device according to claim 1,wherein said non-volatile memory comprises flash memory.
 7. A deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein said storage system shares at least onehardware component with said telephone.
 8. A device according to claim7, wherein said storage system shares at least one flash memory modulefor storing data with said telephone.
 9. A device according to claim 7,wherein said at least one hardware component comprises a flash memorycontroller.
 10. A device according to claim 7, wherein said at least onehardware component comprises a controller.
 11. A device according toclaim 7, wherein said at least one hardware component comprises a userinterface element.
 12. A device according to claim 7, wherein said atleast one hardware component comprises a power source.
 13. A deviceaccording to claim 7, wherein said flash memory storage system shares aconnector with said telephone.
 14. (canceled)
 15. A device according toclaim 1, wherein at least one user interface component of said telephoneis used to manage said storage system. 16.-18. (canceled)
 19. A deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein at least one file in said storage systemis configured to act as a mail file for transmission of mail on saidtelephone.
 20. A device according to claim 1, wherein at least one filein said storage system is configured to act as a personal setting filefor operation of said telephone.
 21. A device according to claim 1,wherein said connection is adapted to present said storage system as ahard disk system to said host.
 22. A device according to claim 1,wherein said connection is adapted to present said storage system as astand-alone storage system to said host.
 23. A device according to claim1, wherein said connection is adapted to present said storage system asa transfer system to said host.
 24. A device according to claim 1,wherein said connection comprises a connector mounted on a retractablesetting.
 25. A device according to claim 24, wherein said retractablesetting comprises a cable with a connector at one end.
 26. A deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein said storage system comprises a removableflash memory module.
 27. A device according to claim 1, wherein saidstorage system comprises only permanently attached flash memory modules.28. A device according to claim 1, wherein said storage system isadapted to be powered by said connection and separately from saidtelephone.
 29. A device according to claim 1, wherein only some of astorage space of said storage system is accessible by said telephone.30. A device according to claim 1, wherein only some of a storage spaceof said storage system is accessible by said host.
 31. A deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein said storage system is selectively poweredby said telephone and via said connection.
 32. A device according toclaim 1, wherein said storage system is adapted to be selectivelycontrolled by said host and by said telephone.
 33. A device according toclaim 32, wherein said storage system is controlled by a single flashmemory controller.
 34. A device according to claim 1, wherein saidstorage system is controllable by at least two flash memory controllers.35. A device according to claim 1, wherein said telephone comprises aflash memory module inaccessible by said storage system. 36.-79.(canceled)
 80. A mobile telephone device, comprising: an enclosure; aplurality of hardware components that provide the functionality of acellular telephone or a satellite telephone, at least some of saidcomponents being inside or on said enclosure, said components that areinside or on said enclosure including at least an audio input or anaudio output; a solid state non-volatile storage system inside of saidenclosure; and a directly accessible connection for said storage system,adapted to connect to an external host system, wherein said storagesystem is functionally integrated with said telephone, wherein operationof one of the telephone and storage system affects an operation of theother, and wherein attachment of said storage system to a host powersoff said telephone.